Norodom Sihamoni facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Norodom Sihamoni
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| Preah Boromneath | |
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Sihamoni in 2023
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| King of Cambodia | |
| Reign | 14 October 2004 – present |
| Coronation | 29 October 2004 |
| Predecessor | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Prime ministers | |
| Born | 14 May 1953 Phnom Penh, Cambodia, French Indochina |
| House | Norodom |
| Father | Norodom Sihanouk |
| Mother | Norodom Monineath |
| Religion | Theravada Buddhism |
| Signature |  |
| Alma mater | Academy of Performing Arts in Prague |
Norodom Sihamoni (Khmer: នរោត្តម សីហមុនី; born 14 May 1953) is the current King of Cambodia. He became King on 14 October 2004. This was one week after his father, Norodom Sihanouk, decided to step down from the throne.
King Sihamoni is the oldest son of King Sihanouk and Queen Norodom Monineath. He is the fourth king from the royal House of Norodom. Before becoming king, Sihamoni worked as Cambodia's ambassador to the United Nations and UNESCO. He studied in Czechoslovakia and was known for his work in Europe. He was also a classical ballet teacher when he was a prince. As King, Sihamoni continues to support Cambodian culture and many good causes. He balances his role as a constitutional monarch with Cambodia's political changes.
Early Life
Birth and Family
Sihamoni was born on 14 May 1953, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. At that time, Cambodia was a French protectorate. His birth was seen as a good sign because Cambodia gained independence from France later that year.
His name "Sihamoni" comes from his parents' names, "Sihanouk" and "Monineath." The name "Norodom" means "the best among men" in both Pali and Khmer.
Sihamoni has 14 half-brothers and half-sisters from his father. His only full brother, Samdech Norodom Narindrapong, was born in 1954 and passed away in 2003.
Education and Time Abroad
Prince Sihamoni started school in 1959 in Phnom Penh. He became very interested in the arts early on.
In 1962, his father sent him to Prague, Czechoslovakia, to study. There, he went to primary and elementary schools. As a young boy, he performed in a play called The Nutcracker at the Prague National Theatre. He also took private ballet and piano lessons. He even appeared on TV in a children's opera called Brundibár. He finished high school at the Prague Conservatory, where he was a top student. He became very good at performing arts and learned to speak Czech fluently. A movie about him, The Other Little Prince, was made in Prague in 1967.
Between 1971 and 1975, Sihamoni earned a Master's degree in classical dance and music from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. After graduating in 1975, he moved to North Korea to study filmmaking in Pyongyang.
Return to Cambodia
In 1976, Sihamoni was forced to return to Cambodia. The ruling Khmer Rouge regime, led by Pol Pot, put the royal family under house arrest at the Royal Palace of Cambodia. Many members of the wider royal family were killed during the Cambodian genocide. Sihamoni and his family lived in fear, cut off from the outside world. They were not allowed to contact anyone or have staff. Khmer Rouge soldiers gave them limited food, so they had to grow some of their own.
When the Cambodian–Vietnamese War ended the Khmer Rouge rule in 1979, the family was flown to China with help from the Chinese government. Sihamoni then worked as a secretary for his father, who led a resistance movement against the Vietnamese occupation.
Career Before Becoming King
In 1981, Sihamoni moved to France. For almost 20 years, he taught classical dance and artistic pedagogy at various schools. He also led the Khmer Dance Association there. He started his own dance group, 'Ballet Deva', and was its manager and artistic director. He also led the Royal Khmer Cinematic Corporation. He focused on giving men more important roles in traditional Khmer dance. During this time, he also spent some time as a monk.
In 1992, Prince Sihamoni was chosen as Cambodia's representative to the United Nations. He served in this role until 1993. In 1993, the monarchy was restored, and his father became King again. Sihamoni was then appointed Cambodia's representative to UNESCO in Paris. He held this role until he became King in 2004. He was known for his dedication to Cambodian culture. He worked hard to get international recognition for Khmer classical ballet and shadow theatre. In October 2003, he also became a High Privy Counselor to King Norodom Sihanouk.
Reign as King
Becoming King
On 14 October 2004, Sihamoni was chosen as King by the Royal Council of the Throne. This special group of nine members elects the King of Cambodia. This process happened quickly after King Norodom Sihanouk surprisingly stepped down a week earlier.
Prime Minister Hun Sen and National Assembly President Prince Norodom Ranariddh supported Sihamoni's selection. King Sihanouk also agreed. Sihamoni was said to be hesitant to become king, but he accepted for the good of the country. On 20 October, he returned to Phnom Penh with his parents. About 100,000 people welcomed them from the airport to the Royal Palace of Cambodia.
He was officially crowned King on 29 October 2004, at the Royal Palace of Cambodia in Phnom Penh. The ceremony was simple, as King-Father Sihanouk had requested. King Sihamoni also wanted a modest event to avoid spending too much money. He did not sit on the highest throne or wear the traditional gold-and-diamond crown.
In his first public speech as King, he promised to be a king for the people. He said he would always be their "faithful and devoted servant" and would "never live apart from my beloved people."
In his first six months, King Sihamoni visited many Cambodians, especially in the countryside. People praised him for being "close to the people."
On 29 October 2014, Cambodia celebrated his 10th anniversary as King. Many people gathered outside the royal palace to honor him.
Advisory Council
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On 12 December 2008, King Sihamoni chose 26 members of the royal family for his advisory court. His half-brother, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, became the chief advisor. This move was seen as a way to keep royal family members from being too involved in politics.
In July 2023, after Prime Minister Hun Sen resigned, the King appointed him to lead the council. Other former high-ranking officials were also appointed as privy counselors.
King's Political Role
The King has limited political power and usually stays out of politics. This is because he is a constitutional monarch, meaning he "reigns but does not govern." Some people want him to be more involved, like his father was. Others say the constitution means he should remain mostly ceremonial. King Sihamoni has largely kept a neutral stance. This helps the monarchy remain a symbol of national unity.
Border Dispute
In 2005, King Sihamoni faced a challenge when he was hesitant to approve a border treaty with Vietnam. His father also objected. This caused some tension with the government. However, after being assured no land would be lost, Sihamoni signed the treaty.
Political Pardons
In 2006, the King pardoned opposition politicians Sam Rainsy and Cheam Channy. These pardons were seen as a positive step for reducing political tensions.
In 2009, Sihamoni asked the government to support a pardon for journalist Hang Chakra. The pardon was granted in 2010. Later in 2009, he pardoned a Thai national, Siwarak Chutipongse, on humanitarian grounds.
Elections and Reconciliation
Before the 2013 Cambodian general election, King Sihamoni pardoned Opposition Leader Sam Rainsy, allowing him to participate. When the election results were disputed, the King tried to help resolve the conflict. He urged for national reconciliation and for talks between the political leaders. In July 2014, the parties reached an agreement.
In August 2014, Sihamoni officially swore in Rainsy and other opposition members of parliament. He encouraged both sides to "continue to work together for the sake of stability, development and national unity."
Recent Elections
In 2018, Sihamoni encouraged Cambodians to vote in the national elections. After the elections, which saw the ruling party win most seats, the King opened the national legislature. He urged parliament members to protect the rights of all Cambodians and work for national unity.
He has also approved requests to allow former opposition members to return to politics. For example, in 2020, he approved a pardon for Son Chhay, and in 2021, for Pol Hom.
In the 2022 Cambodian communal elections, he again called for all eligible Cambodians to vote without fear. In November 2022, he hosted regional leaders at the ASEAN summit, emphasizing cooperation and discussing important global issues.
In February 2023, before the 2023 Cambodian general election, King Sihamoni again encouraged public participation and free elections. After the ruling party won, Prime Minister Hun Sen announced his resignation. King Sihamoni formally appointed Hun Sen's son, Hun Manet, as the new Prime Minister in August 2023.
Helping People (Philanthropy)
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King Sihamoni is known for his kindness and for helping the Cambodian people. He is described as a humble monarch who does many good deeds.
For example, in 2006, he donated three minibuses to the Royal University of Fine Arts to help students and teachers. After the Phnom Penh stampede in 2010, he gave money to families who lost loved ones and to those who were injured. In 2016, he donated $6.5 million from selling a royal residence to the Kantha Bopha Foundation, which runs children's hospitals. In 2018, he gave essential goods to over 500 families affected by flooding.
He has personally helped people during disasters, like handing out goods in flooded areas. He once stopped his car to give a blanket to an elderly person. He regularly donates to the Cambodian Red Cross and supports many projects. These include schools, orphanages, and rehabilitation centers.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, King Sihamoni and Queen Mother Norodom Monineath donated over $1 million to help Cambodia. In July 2022, he gave $500,000 for demining efforts in the country. In 2024, he recognized and gave goods to over 2000 rubbish collectors in Phnom Penh.
Supporting Culture
King Sihamoni strongly supports Cambodian arts and culture. In 2006, he was chosen to write the message for International Dance Day, where he praised the importance of dance. He has attended premieres of important films like First They Killed My Father and The Perfect Motion, which highlight Cambodian stories and arts.
The King is a strong supporter of Buddhism and its role in Cambodian culture. He often leads important Buddhist calendar festivals. He also works closely with the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts. As King, he presides over major cultural events like Bon Om Touk, Independence Day, the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, and Khmer New Year. In March 2023, he lit the torch at Angkor Wat for the 2023 Southeast Asian Games.
Sihamoni is dedicated to protecting ancient sites. As Honorary President of ICC-Angkor, he focuses on preserving Angkor Wat. In 2011, he attended the completion of restoration work at the Baphuon temple. In late 2021, he supported Cambodia's successful bid to include Koh Ker and Bokator on UNESCO's heritage lists. In November 2023, he opened the restored western causeway into Angkor Wat.
Visits to Other Countries
King Sihamoni's first official trip as King was to China in 2004. This showed the strong friendship between China and the Cambodian royal family. He often visits China for health check-ups and meets with Chinese leaders. In 2015, he attended the COP21 summit at the United Nations, where he spoke about climate change's impact on Cambodia. He also visited Japan, his "second homeland" the Czech Republic, India, and France.
Public Image
Unlike his father, King Sihamoni keeps a "low-key" profile. He is seen as a unifying force in Cambodia. Prime Minister Hun Sen has praised him as a "symbol of national unity, stability, happiness and prosperity." He noted the King's kindness and efforts to strengthen national pride.
Scholar Milton Osborne calls him a "dedicated servant of his people" who is "cultured and disciplined." Cambodian history professor Sambo Manara sees Sihamoni as a "moral model" for all Cambodians, known for his calm and kind manner.
In 2013, International Monetary Fund Managing Director Christine Lagarde said she was touched by his "thoughtfulness and compassion." She noted his deep care for his people and his passion for promoting Cambodia's culture. On his 68th birthday, ASEAN described him as a "cherished and well-respected" monarch who shows "dignified and humbled leadership."
The King's birthday (14 May) and coronation day (29 October) are public holidays in Cambodia. In 2019, a special 15,000 Cambodian riel banknote was issued to celebrate his 15th anniversary as King. His portrait also appears on several other riel banknotes.
Lèse-majesté Law
In February 2018, a law called lèse-majesté was added to Cambodia's legal code. This law makes it illegal to insult the King. Human rights groups were concerned it could be used against political opponents. However, the Ministry of Justice says it protects the monarchy.
Personal Life
The King is a bachelor and does not have children. Cambodia is an elective monarchy, not a hereditary monarchy. This means his future successor will be chosen by the Royal Council of the Throne from one of Cambodia's two royal houses.
His parents once said that their son "only feels Buddhist" and that he "confines himself to Buddhism." This suggests his life is guided by his strong piety and devotion to his faith.
Interests
The King is said to have "simple tastes" and a strong interest in arts and culture. In his free time, he enjoys meditation, reading, exercising, and listening to classical music. He also likes comedy films and keeping up with the news. He enjoys watching DVDs of ballet and opera and reads reviews of Czech theatre.
Wealth
Prime Minister Hun Sen has mentioned that Cambodia's monarchy is among the poorest in the world and that the King does not own private property. However, the Prime Minister noted that King Sihamoni has a generous heart, shown by his many charitable contributions.
Languages
Besides his native Khmer, King Sihamoni speaks Czech fluently. He is the only ruling monarch in the world to do so. He also speaks French fluently and can have conversations in English and Russian. He also has basic knowledge of Mandarin.
Films
As a prince, Sihamoni acted in a few films, mostly directed by his father. He has also been the subject of documentaries and has directed some films himself.
| English title | Other names | Year | Role | Notes |
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| The Curious History of Cambodia's Beloved Kings | N/A | 2021 | Subject | Documentary part of a series called 'Asia's Monarchies' |
| The Other Little Prince | Jiný malý princ | 1967 | Subject | A Czech Documentary film |
| My Village at Sunset | Mon village au coucher du soleil | 1992 | Actor | Film was the winner of the Prix Special at the Saint Petersburg Festival |
| The Little Prince | Prachea Komar (ព្រះប្រជាកុមារ) | 1967 | Actor | Film won the Golden Apsara Award at the 1968 Phnom Penh International Film Festival |
| Dream | N/A | 1992 | Director | A ballet film by Prince Sihamoni |
| The Four Elements | Four Seasons | 1993 | Director | A ballet film by Prince Sihamoni |
| Norodom Sihanouk, King and Film-maker | N/A | 1997 | Guest appearance | A French documentary film |
Titles and Honours
| Styles of King Norodom Sihamoni |
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| Reference style | His Majesty |
| Spoken style | Your Majesty |
Before he was crowned king, his title was Sdech Krom Khun, meaning "Great Prince." As King, his full title is very long and means "His Merciful Excellent Majesty Protector, King Norodom Sihamoni, who unites the nation, religion, realms, and people of Khmer state, the great king who is supported by Buddha and Indra, the protector of independence, unification, and peace, the Great King of the Kingdom of Cambodia."
His shorter official title is His Majesty Preah Bat Samdech Preah Boromneath Norodom Sihamoni, King of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
In June 2015, he received the religious title Preah SriLoka Dhammika Raja, meaning "Virtuous King for the Propagation of Buddhism in the World." In September 2015, he was given the academic title of 'Honorific Professor' by a Chinese university. In June 2023, he was awarded the honorary title of 'Royal Patron' by the World Fellowship of Buddhists.
He also holds the title of 'Supreme Commander of the Royal Khmer Armed Forces.'
Patronages
As King, Sihamoni supports many causes and organizations. Here are some examples:
- Heritage: He is Honorary President of ICC-Angkor, which works to protect the historic site of Angkor. He supports restoration projects at Angkor Wat and Baphuon Temple. He also supported the successful bid for Koh Ker Temple to be included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list.
- Cultural: He is a member of the High Council of French-speaking Countries. He is the "Message Author" for International Dance Day. He supports the Center for Khmer Studies and various Cambodian arts festivals. He is also a patron of films like First They Killed My Father.
- Community: He is a patron of the Cambodian Red Cross and the Cambodian Children's Fund. He supports the Kantha Bopha Foundation, which runs children's hospitals. He also supports efforts to clear landmines and helps communities affected by disasters.
- Sporting: He is a patron of the 2023 Southeast Asian Games and supported the successful bid for Bokator (a Khmer martial art) to be included on the UNESCO Intangible cultural heritage list.
- Environmental: He supports the Airavata Elephant Foundation and National Arbor Day.
Honours and Awards
- National Honours (Cambodia): Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Cambodia, Grand Cross of the Royal Order of Monisaraphon.
- Foreign Honours: Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour (France), Collar and Grand Cordon of the Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum (Japan).
- Awards: Gratias Agit Award (Czech Republic), Honorary Citizen of Prague, Silver Medal of the City of Paris.
- Honorary Degrees: Honorary Doctorates from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague, Naresuan University, and St. Elizabeth University.
- Named After Him: An orchid called Dendrobium Norodom Sihamoni, a museum at the Royal Palace of Cambodia, and several schools and roads in Cambodia.
See also
In Spanish: Norodom Sihamoní para niños
